Ralph D. Clark

Ralph Dennis Clark, 87, passed away March 30, 2025, in Parker, Colorado. Ralph was born April 12, 1937, in Denver to Mary Jette Christensen and John Perry Clark.

His family moved to Fort Lupton, Colorado where his father was a tractor salesman; his mother, a full-time housewife. In high school, his intrigue in knowing how things work resulted in all the parts of the family TV laid across the living room floor. As a teen, he started Tom Thumb TV Repair as his first business. 

He married his high school sweetheart, JoAnn (Ball) Clark in Fort Lupton in 1956. After marriage, he joined the Air Force and had his basic training at Parks Air Force Base in Pleasanton, California. He was later assigned to Lowry Air Force Base and instructed in special weapons systems. After a four-year service commitment, he attended the University of Colorado-Denver and majored in electrical engineering. He also worked full-time for Valas TV located at 475 S. Broadway in Denver across the street from Montgomery Ward. He was the service manager. In 1966, he joined J. C. Penney as the Product Service Manager for the Denver Service Center.

The family moved to Dallas, Texas in 1978, when Ralph became Regional Product Service Manager. The family returned to Denver in 1980. He continued with Penney’s until 1981 when he accepted a position with RCA and later with General Electric as Regional Quality Assurance Manager.

Ralph’s true passion was collecting minerals. His youngest son, Todd, was in elementary school and had a show-and-tell project on minerals. It lit Ralph’s interest like rocket fuel for a shuttle take-off. His collection grew in size and quality making him a featured presenter at major mineral shows. Twice he won the National Award for thumbnail minerals in 1974 and 1977. He won six more major competitive awards from 1990 to 1993. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Mineralogical Record, where he and portions of his collection were also featured on several occasions. Other collectors marveled at his collection, which he sold several years ago.

He faithfully served as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a holder of the Melchizedek Priesthood, he dedicated himself to the Lord’s work and served diligently in many callings. He was well-respected and had many friends.

Ralph and JoAnn celebrated 65 years together until her death on May 24, 2021. He is survived by his son, Donald L. Clark, Denise (Markham) Clark and grandson, Brian Clark; his daughter, Lori L. Witt and granddaughter, Molly Witt; and his son, Todd D. Clark, Mega (Lesmana) Clark, grandson, Connor Clark, granddaughter, Caitlyn Clark, and great grandson, Kash Clark. As a dog-loving family, he is also survived by Bailey (Goldendoodle). It would be remiss not to give a nod to those dogs who have passed before him: Tramp (Doberman), Jock (French Poodle) , Oscar (Norwegian Elkhound), Chip,(Labrador Retriever) and Mickey (Yellow Lab). Ralph will be missed by family and friends.

A Funeral service will be held at 11:00am, on Saturday, April 12, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1939 E. Easter Ave., Centennial, CO 80122. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:30-10:30am.

Burial will be on Monday, April 14th, at 11am, at the Hillside Cemetery, located at 13750 Weld County Road 12, Fort Lupton, CO 80621.